Dealing with high property-specific costs

Hello everyone,

in order to better estimate the property-specific costs for our plot in advance, we had the soil investigation carried out before signing the contract for work. However, the house building company only recognizes reports from their own assessor. After inspection, it was found that about 2.50 m of the soil would have to be completely replaced (costs around €20,000). The land seller believes that this price is far too high, as not that much soil would need to be replaced, since all the house builders in the area have managed with less.

Does anyone of you have experience with such high costs? How did you deal with it and whom should one trust better - the house building company (which maybe just wants to be on the safe side) or the land seller (city)? :confused:

We are also not soil investigators and now in a real dilemma, since we would rather not change the house building company again... :(

Best regards

Hello,

... After inspection, it was determined that about 2.50 m of the soil would have to be completely replaced (costs approx. €20,000).

On the basis of which expert report?

... The seller of the property believes that this price is far too high because not that much soil would have to be replaced since all the homebuilders in the area have managed with less.

Who has to guarantee and, if necessary, be liable for the stability of the building? The seller or the general contractor?

... Has anyone of you had experience with such high costs?

High is relative, depending on the soil class, possibly groundwater control, etc. So it cannot be assessed across the board.
At least it is suspicious that only their own expert is accepted here, because geotechnical experts are actually independent. Normally, they only ascertain or analyze (load-bearing capacity). How much excavation is necessary is not determined by the geotechnical expert but by the structural engineer!

... How have you dealt with this and who should you trust better—the house building company (which may just want to play it safe) or the property seller (city)? :confused:

You will have no choice unless an external structural engineer checks everything. If this person comes to a different, more favorable result for you, how do you want to proceed then? The general contractor will reject any warranty for the structure!

Best regards